Washington County Prosecutor Dustin Houchin released his report of findings into the investigation of the police-involved shooting which occurred on July 3, 2019, in Salem.
In his report, the prosecutor outlines the facts and findings of the investigation, applicable laws, and the use-of-force standards relevant to the case.
The report reveals that a single officer, Chief Joey Wheeler, a 20 year veteran of the Salem Police Department, fired his department-issued weapon, striking and killing Mark Naugle.
Wheeler was placed on administrative leave and is now back at work.
The prosecutor stated the Indiana State Police completed a thorough and independent investigation and that he finds Chief Wheeler “acted in accordance [with his] training and in compliance with Salem Police Department standard operating procedures using deadly force in carrying out his duties as a sworn law enforcement officer”.
The report concludes by stating that Wheeler’s actions were “reasonable given the totality of the circumstances” and that the case is closed with no charges being filed in the matter.
